ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS
Anti-wrinkle injections contain the active ingredient botulinum toxin type A which is a natural, purified, injectable protein. It is a prescription-only medicine so can only be legally administered after your doctor has had a face to face consultation with you. Although it is commonly referred to as Botox, Botox® is actually a trade marked brand name for a specific botulinum toxin type A. There are several other legal brands available in the UK including Bocouture, Vistabel, Azzalure and Dysport.
How does it work?
All brands of anti-wrinkle injections work in exactly the same way; by temporarily blocking the transmission of signals from the nerves that tells the muscle to contract. Lines and wrinkles on the face are caused by facial muscles contracting into the same expressions over and over which causes the skin to fold.
When injected into the face by a trained and experienced aesthetic doctor, anti-wrinkle injections temporarily relax these muscles thereby smoothing out the lines and wrinkles to leave a smoother and fresher appearance. With precise targeting, the injection will not affect the other facial muscles from moving and will leave you with your natural facial expressions.
When will the treatment start to take effect?
How long does it last?
The effects start to wear off after 3-4 months when the muscle movements start to return back to normal and the wrinkles may start to re-appear. At this stage you would require further treatment if you want to maintain the effects.
What does the treatment involve?
Your aesthetic doctor will discuss your medical history with you and analyse your face during a face to face consultation to determine whether anti-wrinkle injections are right for you. If so, they will then create a bespoke plan for you, based on your concerns and aesthetic goals. The treatment itself can take between 10 – 30 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated. A small amount of botulinum protein is injected into the muscle with a very fine needle and the procedure is relatively painless or at most causes a mild discomfort so anaesthetic is usually not necessary.
Is the treatment safe?
Botulinum toxin injections are medical treatments. They are relatively safe treatments, when performed by a qualified medical professional to ensure that you are getting the correct amount in the right area. A qualified medical profession would be someone such as a doctor, dentist or a nurse.
Visiting someone without the correct qualifications and experience could lead to potentially serious complications. Such complications would require medical intervention and a qualified medical professional is trained to deal with these complications as part of their medical training and would have access to the correct medical drugs to manage these complications.
The aesthetic industry is currently unregulated so many non-medical people are injecting botulinum toxin such as beauticians. Whilst they are not technically breaking the law, you should think very carefully about receiving a medical procedure from someone with no medical training. Your safety should come first.
What are the side effects?
Because the anti-wrinkles injections are quick and have minimal visible side effects, they have gained a reputation as being “lunchtime procedures” as patients can usually go about their normal day after the session. There will likely be some minor redness and swelling at the injection site which is normal. You can expect these side effects to resolve within a few hours. There may also be some rarer side effects which will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Are these treatments suitable for me?
What other conditions can botulinum toxin be used for?
After care
After your treatment there are a few precautions to take to maximise the effects. Avoid lying down for 4 hours immediately after the treatment. Avoid manipulating the treatment area (e.g. facial or massage). Avoid activities that can cause facial flushing for 24 hours (e.g. application of heat to the face, sauna, exercising, tanning, alcohol.)
How much do anti-wrinkle injections cost?
Prices start from £199